U.S. patent application number 10/280813 was filed with the patent office on 2003-05-22 for optical spatial switch.
Invention is credited to Haraguchi, Gen, Iino, Akihiro, Ishimaru, Ichirou, Kasuga, Masao, Mihara, Yutaka, Oohira, Fumikazu, Shimada, Tomohiro, Suzuki, Kenji.
Application Number | 20030095803 10/280813 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 26624376 |
Filed Date | 2003-05-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030095803 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Iino, Akihiro ; et
al. |
May 22, 2003 |
Optical spatial switch
Abstract
The optical spatial switch of the present invention is has a
small size and a large capacity to switch optical signals between a
plurality of optical fibers in the field of optical communications.
The optical spatial switch is composed of: (a) a first optical
fiber array having a plurality of optical fibers connected to rear
surface of a substrate, and a plurality of output lenses arranged
on a surface of the substrate in two-dimensional matrix, in which
optical signals input from the plurality of optical fibers are
outputted from the plurality of output lenses; and the output
lenses provided with control unit output the input optical signals
in a predetermined direction, and (b) a second optical fiber array
having a plurality of optical fibers connected to rear surface of a
substrate and a plurality of light-receiving lenses arranged on a
surface of the substrate in two-dimensional matrix to converge
optical signals received, in which each optical signal (A1(i, j))
of a plurality of optical signals output from the output lens is
received at a predetermined position (A2(k, l)); and the
light-recieving lenses provided with control unit transfer
resulting optical signals to the optical fibers.
Inventors: |
Iino, Akihiro; (Chiba-shi,
JP) ; Kasuga, Masao; (Chiba-shi, JP) ; Suzuki,
Kenji; (Chiba-shi, JP) ; Shimada, Tomohiro;
(Chiba-shi, JP) ; Oohira, Fumikazu;
(Takamatsu-shi, JP) ; Mihara, Yutaka;
(Takamatsu-shi, JP) ; Haraguchi, Gen;
(Takamatsu-shi, JP) ; Ishimaru, Ichirou;
(Kita-gun, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
ADAMS & WILKS
31st Floor
50 Broadway
New York
NY
10004
US
|
Family ID: |
26624376 |
Appl. No.: |
10/280813 |
Filed: |
October 25, 2002 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
398/55 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G02B 6/3512 20130101;
G02B 6/3556 20130101; G02B 6/3524 20130101; H04Q 11/0005 20130101;
G02B 6/3885 20130101; H04Q 2011/0026 20130101; G02B 6/3504
20130101; G02B 6/3526 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
398/55 |
International
Class: |
H04B 010/10; H04B
010/20 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Nov 6, 2001 |
JP |
2001-341089 |
Feb 28, 2002 |
JP |
2002-053388 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An optical spatial switch comprising: a first optical fiber
array which outputs optical signals input from optical fibers from
output lenses, in which the output lenses convert the input optical
signals into converging rays, parallel rays, or diverging rays; and
then the output lenses provided with control means output the
resulting optical signals in a predetermined direction; and a
second optical fiber array which is provided with light-receiving
lenses for receiving optical signals output from the output lenses
at a predetermined position in which the light-receiving lenses
converge the optical signals received; and then the light-receiving
lenses provided with control means transfer the converged optical
signals to optical fibers.
2. An optical spatial switch according to claim 1, wherein at least
any one of the output lens and the light-receiving lens is a
spherical lens.
3. An optical spatial switch according to claim 2, wherein at least
any one of the control means of the output lens and the
light-receiving lens is an actuator for controlling rotation of the
spherical lens.
4. An optical spatial switch according to claim 1, wherein at least
one of the control means of the output lens and the light-receiving
lens is an actuator for operating the lens in a direction
perpendicular to a direction of output light output from the
optical fiber.
5. An optical spatial switch comprising: a first optical fiber
array which is provided with output lenses for outputting optical
signals input from optical fibers, in which lenses are arranged
next to the optical fibers; the output lenses convert the input
optical signals into converging rays, parallel rays, or diverging
rays; and then the output lenses provided with control means output
the resulting optical signals in a predetermined direction; and
second optical fiber array which is provided with light-receiving
lenses for receiving optical signals output from the output lenses
at a predetermined position, in which the light-receiving lenses
converge the optical signals received; and then the light-receiving
lenses provided with control means transfer the converged optical
signals to optical fibers.
6. An optical spatial switch according to claim 5, wherein the
second optical fiber array further comprises a converging lens at
mid-position between the light-receiving lens and the optical
fiber.
7. An optical spatial switch according to claim 5, wherein at least
any one of the output lens and the light-receiving lens is a
spherical lens.
8. An optical spatial switch according to claim 7, wherein at least
any one of the control means of the output lens and the
light-receiving lens is an actuator for controlling rotation of the
spherical lens.
9. An optical spatial switch according to claim 5, wherein at least
one of the control means of the output lens and the light-receiving
lens is an actuator for operating the lens in a direction
perpendicular to a direction of output light output from the
optical fiber.
10. An optical spatial switch according to claim. 1, further
comprising: a reflecting means which is provided with control
means, arranged spatially at mid-position between, the first
optical fiber array and the second optical fiber array, and which
reflects optical signals output from the output lenses of the first
optical fiber array toward the light-receiving lenses of the second
optical fiber array.
11. An optical spatial switch according to claim 10, wherein at
least any one of the output lens and the light-receiving lens is a
spherical lens.
12. An optical spatial switch according to claim 10, wherein the
reflecting means is composed of a first reflecting means and a
second reflecting means.
13. An optical spatial switch according to claim 10, wherein the
first reflecting means and the second reflecting means are mirror
reflecting means provided with mirrors controlled by actuators.
14. An optical spatial switch according to claim 10, further
comprising: a mechanism which is composed of a substrate capable of
rotating about one axis, a rotating base plate capable of rotating
on the substrate about an axis perpendicular to the axis of
rotation of the substrate, and a mirror provided on the rotating
base plate.
15. An optical spatial switch according to claim 10, further
comprising: a mechanism which is composed of a rotatable first
substrate, a rotatable second substrate capable of rotating on the
first substrate, and a mirror provided on the second substrate.
16. An optical spatial switch according to claim 10, further
comprising: a mechanism which is composed of a piezoelectric
transducer capable of exciting oscillating waves in the two
different directions, a movable body that comes into contacts with
the piezoelectric transducer, and a mirror provided on the movable
body.
17. An optical spatial switch according to claim 10, further
comprising: a mechanism which is composed of a mirror portion made
of at least magnetic material, and a plurality of electromagnets
provided at positions that overlap onto the mirror portion in its
thickness direction.
18. An optical spatial switch comprising: a first optical fiber
array that includes an optical fiber one point of which is
supported, a lens fixed on the optical fiber in the vicinity of one
end thereof, and a control means that operates the optical fiber in
the direction perpendicular to optical axis of the optical fiber;
and a second optical fiber array that includes an optical fiber one
point of which is supported to receive optical signals output from
the first optical fiber array at a predetermined position, a lens
fixed on the optical fiber in the vicinity of one end thereof, and
a control means that operates the optical fiber in the direction
perpendicular to optical axis of the optical fiber.
19. An optical spatial switch comprising: a substrate having an
opening portion; a fiber one point of which is supported, that is
fitted in the opening portion; and a lens fixed on the fiber in the
vicinity of one end thereof, wherein the substrate is driven in the
two axes directions of X and Y so that angle of output light from
the fiber or light-receiving angle of light made incident upon the
fiber is varied.
20. An optical spatial switch comprising: two substrates having
opening portions; a fiber one point of which is supported, that is
fitted in the opening portion; and a lens fixed on the fiber in the
vicinity of one end thereof, wherein the two substrates are driven
individually in the two axes directions of X and Y so that angle of
output light from the fiber or light-receiving angle of light made
incident upon the fiber is varied.
21. An optical spatial switch comprising: an optical fiber one
point of which is supported; a magnetic member fixed on the optical
fiber in the vicinity of one end thereof; a plurality of yokes
provided at outer side of the magnetic member; and coils wound
around the plurality of yokes, wherein quantity of current flowing
through the respective coils is controlled so that angle of the
optical fiber is controlled, and then since the angle of the
optical fiber is controlled, angle of output light from the optical
fiber or light-receiving angle of light made incident upon the
optical fiber is varied.
22. An optical spatial switch according to claim 1, wherein the
output lenses of the optical fiber array and the light-receiving
lenses of the second optical fiber array are arranged in
two-dimensional matrix of "integer number I.times.integer number
J," respectively.
23. An optical spatial switch according to claim 22, wherein I and
J of the "integer number I.times.integer number J" are of integer
numbers selected individually from 3 to 9.
24. An optical spatial switch according to claim 1, wherein a
plurality of output lenses of the first optical fiber array are
arranged in two-dimensional matrix of "integer number
I.times.integer number J", and a plurality of light-receiving
lenses of the second optical fiber array are arranged in
two-dimensional matrix of "integer number P.times.integer number
,Q", where relationship of respective arrangements satisfies
"I.times.J.ltoreq.P.times.Q".
25. An optical spatial switch according to claim 1, wherein a
leading edge portion of an optical fiber, which is connected to the
first optical fiber array and the second optical fiber array, is a
spherical lens integrated with the optical fiber.
26. An optical spatial switch according to claim 1, wherein leading
edge portions of the first optical fiber array and the second
optical fiber array are of multi-mode fibers that are connected to
single-mode fibers.
27. An optical spatial switch according to claim 1, wherein leading
edge portions of the first optical fiber array and the second
optical fiber array have configurations in which a single-mode
fiber is processed into conical shape, spherical shape, or
cylindrical shape which is a combination of the conical shape and
the spherical shape.
28. An optical spatial switch according to claim 1, wherein the
actuator is a piezoelectric actuator.
29. An optical spatial switch according to claim 1, wherein the
actuator is an electromagnetic actuator.
30. An optical spatial switch according to claim 1, wherein the
actuator is a ultrasonic actuator that includes a piezoelectric
element, a stator with an opening portion, a pressure plate, and a
movable body that is sandwiched between the opening portion of the
stator and the pressure plate.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to an optical spatial switch
for switching optical signals between a plurality of optical fibers
in the field of optical communications.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] Conventional switches for the optical communications are of
relatively simple configuration and small size to disperse one
optical path into two dispersions or two optical paths into two
dispersions. However, drastic development of the optical
communications necessitates a spatial connecting type optical
switch having a large scale and a large capacity capable of
transferring paths of optical signals freely between a large number
of input optical fibers and a large number of output optical
fibers. According to this requirement, large-sized optical switches
have been developed. As one example thereof, an optical spatial
switch for switching optical signals between arrays of
two-dimensional optical fiber is disclosed in JP 05-107485 A.
[0005] With this official gazette, as shown in FIG. 10, the optical
spatial switch has a configuration in which array A and array B are
disposed oppositely and optical fibers 103 and reflecting mirrors
108 are two-dimensionally disposed on the array A and the array B,
respectively; optical signal output from lens 104 of the array A is
reflected by mirror Mb(i), this reflected light is reflected by
mirror Ma(j) of the array A; and ultimately, resulting optical
signal is made incident upon light receiving fiber Fb(j) of the
array B. However, since such optical spatial switch has a
configuration that fibers and mirrors are disposed on the same
substrate, there is the problem that it is not possible to reduce
the size thereof.
[0006] In addition, in the above-described official gazette, there
is disclosed, as the related art, an optical spatial switch having
a configuration in which two arrays with optical fibers arranged
two-dimensionally are placed oppositely, while arranging a
plurality of beam shifters therebetween; in which optical signals
output from one fiber are shifted successively, then the shifted
optical signals are made incident upon given light-receiving lens.
However, problems arise in that many beam shifters are disposed at
midposition, whereby not only loss of light increases between
fibers, but also high accuracy is required for mutual position
matching between the two-dimensional fiber arrays 1 and the beam
shifters 2.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The present invention provides an optical spatial switch
that cancels out the above-described problems in such a way as to
provide a small-sized spatial switch capable of transferring many
incident lights toward output side while establishing connections
between input and output optical fiber arrays arbitrarily.
[0008] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there
is provided an optical spatial switch including following
members:
[0009] (a) an optical fiber array which outputs optical signals
input from a plurality of optical fibers connected to rear surface
of a substrate from a plurality of output lenses arranged on a
surface of the substrate in two-dimensional matrix, in which the
output lenses provided with control means converts the input
optical signals into converging rays, parallel rays, or diverging
rays, before outputting these rays in a predetermined direction,
and
[0010] (b) a second optical fiber array that receives each optical
signal (A1(i, j)) of a plurality of optical signals output from the
output lens at a-predetermined position (A2(k, l)) thereof, in
which light-receiving lenses are disposed on a surface of a
substrate of the second optical fiber array with the
light-receiving lenses arranged in two-dimensional matrix; the
light-receiving lenses converge optical signals received; and the
light-receiving lenses provided with control means transfer
resulting optical signals toward optical fiber connected to rear
surface of the substrate.
[0011] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there
is provided an optical spatial switch characterized in that the
output lens and the light-receiving lens are both spherical
lenses.
[0012] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there
is provided an optical spatial switch characterized in that the
control means of the output lens and the light-receiving lens is
respectively an actuator for controlling rotation of the spherical
lens.
[0013] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there
is provided an optical spatial switch characterized in that the
control means of the output lens and the light-receiving lens is
respectively an actuator for operating the lens in a direction
perpendicular to a direction of output light output from the
optical fiber.
[0014] According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there
is provided an optical spatial switch including following
members:
[0015] (a) an optical fiber array provided with a plurality of
output lenses arranged on a surface of a substrate in
two-dimensional matrix, in which the optical fiber array outputs
optical signals input from a plurality of optical fibers connected
to rear surface of the substrate from the plurality of output
lenses; the optical fiber array is provided with collimate lenses
next to the optical fibers; and the output lenses provided with
control means converts the input optical signals into converging
rays, parallel rays, or diverging rays, before outputting these
rays in a predetermined direction, and
[0016] (b) a second optical fiber array that receives each optical
signal (A1(i, j)) of a plurality of optical signals output from the
output lens at a predetermined position (A2(k, l)) thereof, in
which light-receiving lenses are disposed on a surface of a
substrate of the second optical fiber array with the
light-receiving lenses arranged in two-dimensional matrix; the
light-receiving lenses converge optical signals received; and the
light-receiving lenses provided with control means transfers
resulting optical signals toward optical fiber connected to rear
surface of the substrate.
[0017] According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there
is provided an optical spatial switch characterized in that the
second optical fiber array further includes a converging lens at
mid-position between the light-receiving lens and the optical
fiber.
[0018] According to a seventh aspect of the present invention,
there is provided an optical spatial switch characterized in that
the output lens and the light-receiving lens are respectively a
spherical lens.
[0019] According to an eighth aspect of the present invention,
there is provided an optical spatial switch characterized in that
the control means of the output lens and the light-receiving lens
is respectively an actuator for controlling rotation of the
spherical lens.
[0020] According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, there
is provided an optical spatial switch characterized in that the
control means of the output lens and the light-receiving lens is
respectively an actuator for operating the lens in a direction
perpendicular to a direction of output light output from the
optical fiber.
[0021] According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, there
is provided an optical spatial switch including following
members:
[0022] (a) an optical fiber array which outputs optical signals
input from a plurality of optical fibers connected to rear surface
of a substrate from a plurality of output lenses arranged on a
surface of the substrate in two-dimensional matrix, in which the
output lenses provided with control means converts the input
optical signals into converging rays, parallel rays, or diverging
rays, before outputting these rays in a predetermined
direction,
[0023] (b) a second optical fiber array that receives each optical
signal (A1(i, j)) of a-plurality of optical signals output from the
output lens at a predetermined position (A2(k, l)) thereof, in
which light-receiving lenses are disposed on a surface of a
substrate of the second optical fiber array with the
light-receiving lenses arranged in two-dimensional matrix; the
light-receiving lenses converge optical signals received; and the
light-receiving lenses provided with control means transfer
resulting optical signals toward optical fibers connected to rear
surface of the substrate, and
[0024] (c) at least one reflecting means which is provided with
control means, arranged spatially at mid-position between the first
optical fiber array and the second optical fiber array, in which
optical signals output from respective output lenses of the first
optical fiber array are reflected toward the light-receiving lenses
of the second optical fiber array.
[0025] According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention,
there is provided an optical spatial switch characterized in that
the output lens of the first optical fiber array and the
light-receiving lens of the second optical fiber array are
respectively a spherical lens.
[0026] According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention,
there is provided an optical spatial switch characterized in that
the at least one reflecting means is composed of a first reflecting
means and a second reflecting means.
[0027] According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention,
there is provided an optical spatial switch characterized in that
the first reflecting means and the second reflecting means are
mirror reflecting means provided with mirrors controlled by
actuators.
[0028] According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention,
there is provided an optical spatial switch characterized by
including:
[0029] a mechanism which is composed of a substrate capable of
rotating about one axis, a rotating base plate capable of rotating
on the substrate about an axis perpendicular to the axis of
rotation of the substrate, and a mirror provided on the rotating
base plate.
[0030] According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention,
there is provided an optical spatial switch characterized by
including:
[0031] a mechanism which is composed of a rotatable first
substrate, a rotatable second substrate capable of rotating on the
first substrate, and a mirror provided on the second substrate.
[0032] According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention,
there is provided an optical spatial switch characterized by
including:
[0033] a mechanism which is composed of a piezoelectric transducer
capable of exciting oscillating waves in the two different
directions, a movable body that comes into contacts with the
piezoelectric transducer, and a mirror provided on the movable
body.
[0034] According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention,
there is provided an optical spatial switch characterized by
including:
[0035] a mechanism which is composed of a mirror portion made of at
least magnetic material, and a plurality of electromagnets provided
at positions that overlap onto the mirror portion in its thickness
direction.
[0036] According to an eighteenth aspect of the present invention,
there is provided an optical spatial-switch including following
members:
[0037] (a) a first optical fiber array that includes a plurality of
optical fibers one point of which is supported, a lens fixed on the
optical fiber in the vicinity of one end thereof, and a control
means that operates the optical fiber in the direction
perpendicular to optical axis of the optical fiber; and
[0038] (b) a second optical fiber array that includes a plurality
of optical fibers one point of which is supported to receive a
plurality of optical signals output from the first optical fiber
array at a predetermined position, a lens fixed on the optical
fiber in the vicinity of one end thereof, and a control means that
operates the optical fiber in the direction perpendicular to
optical axis of the optical fiber.
[0039] According to a nineteenth aspect of the present invention,
there is provided an optical spatial switch characterized by
including:
[0040] a substrate having an opening portion;
[0041] a fiber one point of which is supported, that is in the
opening portion; and
[0042] a lens fixed on the fiber in the vicinity of one end
thereof,
[0043] in which the substrates are made to drive individually in
the two axes directions of X and Y so that angle of output light
from the fiber or light-receiving angle of light made incident upon
the fiber is varied.
[0044] According to a twentieth aspect of the present invention,
there is provided an optical spatial switch characterized by
including:
[0045] two substrates having opening portions;
[0046] a fiber one point of which is supported, that is in the
opening portion; and
[0047] a lens fixed on the fiber in the vicinity of one end
thereof,
[0048] in which the two substrates are driven individually in the
two axes directions of X and Y so that angle of output light from
the fiber or light-receiving angle of light made incident upon the
fiber are varied.
[0049] According to a twenty-first aspect of the present invention,
there is provided an optical spatial switch characterized by
including:
[0050] an optical fiber one point of which is supported;
[0051] a magnetic member fixed on the optical fiber in the vicinity
of one end thereof;
[0052] a plurality of yokes provided at outer side of the magnetic
member; and
[0053] coils wound around the plurality of yokes,
[0054] in which quantity of current flowing through the respective
coils are controlled so that angle of the optical fiber is
controlled, and then since the angle of the optical fiber is
controlled, angle of output light from the fiber or light-receiving
angle of light made incident upon the fiber is varied.
[0055] The following are aspects of the invention that are common
to the above-mentioned aspects of the present invention.
[0056] According to a twenty-second aspect of the present
invention, there is provided an optical spatial switch
characterized in that the plurality of output lenses of the first
optical fiber array and the light-receiving lenses of the second
optical fiber array have a disposition of two-dimensional matrix of
"integer number I.times.integer number J," respectively.
[0057] According to a twenty-third aspect of the present invention,
there is provided an optical spatial switch characterized in that I
and J of the "integer number I.times.integer number J" are of
integer numbers selected individually from 3 to 9.
[0058] According to a twenty-fourth aspect of the present
invention, there is provided an optical spatial switch
characterized in that a plurality of output lenses of the first
optical fiber array are arranged in two-dimensional matrix of
"integer number I.times.integer number J", and light-receiving
lenses of the second optical fiber array are two-dimensional matrix
of "integer number P.times.integer number Q", where relationship of
respective dispositions satisfies "I.times.J.ltoreq.P.times.Q".
[0059] According to a twenty-fifth aspect of the present invention,
there is provided an optical spatial switch characterized in that a
leading edge portion of an optical fiber, which is connected to the
first optical fiber array, and the second optical fiber array, is a
spherical lens integrated with the optical fiber.
[0060] According to a twenty-sixth aspect of the present invention,
there is provided an optical spatial switch characterized in that
leading edge portions of the first optical fiber array and the
second optical fiber array are of multi-mode fibers that are
connected to single-mode fibers.
[0061] According to a twenty-seventh aspect of the present
invention, there is provided an optical spatial switch
characterized in that leading edge portions of the first optical
fiber array and the second optical fiber array have configurations
in which the single-mode fiber is processed into conical shape,
spherical shape, or cylindrical shape which is a combination of the
conical shape and the spherical shape.
[0062] According to a twenty-eighth aspect of the present
invention, there is provided an optical spatial switch
characterized in that the actuator is a piezoelectric actuator (a
ultrasonic actuator) According to a twenty-ninth aspect of the
present invention, there is provided an optical spatial switch
characterized in that the actuator is an electromagnetic
actuator.
[0063] According to a thirtieth aspect of the present invention,
there is provided a ultrasonic actuator that includes a
piezoelectric element, a stator with an opening portion, a pressure
plate, and a movable body that is sandwiched between the opening
portion of the stator and the pressure plate.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0064] In the accompanying drawings:
[0065] FIG. 1 is a view showing an embodiment in which optical
signal is transferred directly from a first optical fiber array to
a second optical fiber array;
[0066] FIG. 2 is a view showing a configuration of an optical fiber
inside an optical fiber array;
[0067] FIG. 3 is a view showing a configuration of a spherical lens
utilized in the present invention;
[0068] FIG. 4 is a view showing propagation state of light in the
spherical lens shown in FIG. 3;
[0069] FIG. 5 is a view showing an embodiment in which optical
signal is transferred from the first optical fiber array to the
second optical fiber array via a reflecting mirror;
[0070] FIG. 6 is a view showing various embodiments of mechanisms
for rotating the reflecting mirror;
[0071] FIG. 7 is a view showing a configuration of a spherical
mirror;
[0072] FIG. 8 is a view showing an embodiment in which an optical
fiber is driven directly;
[0073] FIG. 9 is a view showing a configuration of an optical fiber
integrated with a lens;
[0074] FIG. 10 is a view showing an example of a conventional
optical spatial switch;
[0075] FIG. 11 is a view showing the principle of an optical switch
by lens drive;
[0076] FIG. 12 is a view showing another example of the principle
of the optical switch by lens drive;
[0077] FIG. 13 is a view showing an example of structure that
drives the mirror using electromagnetic force;
[0078] FIG. 14 is a view showing a method of forming mirrors using
photolithography technique; and
[0079] FIG. 15 is a view showing a structure for driving an optical
fiber using electromagnetic actuator.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0080] Embodiments of the present invention will be explained below
with reference to accompanying drawings, however, the following
embodiments represent merely illustration for explaining the
present invention specifically. The present invention is not
limited thereto and include the whole embodiments capable of being
conceived easily by the skilled persons in the art.
[0081] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an optical spatial switch
composed of two pieces of optical fiber arrays 10 and 20.
Respective arrays include, for instance, metallic substrates 2, 2'
to which optical fibers 3, 3' are connected from respective rear
sides thereof, and respective output lenses 4 and light-receiving
lenses 6 are two-dimensionally disposed on surfaces of the
respective substrates that stand opposite to each other. Optical
signals 5 of an output side output from lens A1(i, j) arbitrarily
are controlled by control means, such as an actuator, so that a
direction of output light output from the lens is controlled to
emit the optical signals toward a target arbitrary light-receiving
lens A2(k, l). This light-receiving lens converges optical signals
received to transfer the optical signals to the optical fiber 3 of
the rear side.
[0082] FIG. 2 shows an embodiment of connection between optical
fibers 3, 3' and the output lens 4 or the light-receiving lens 6.
FIG. 2A shows an embodiment in which single mode fiber 3 is
connected to the output lens 4 or the light-receiving lens 6. In
this embodiment, it is assumed that optical signals from the
optical fiber are not collimated or converged, therefore optical
signals from the optical fiber are converted into converging rays,
parallel rays, or diverging rays by the lenses 4, 6.
[0083] In an embodiment of FIG. 2B, a multi mode fiber is connected
to a leading edge portion of a single mode fiber, thereby optical
signals are collimated or converged in this portion. Accordingly,
the lenses 4, 6 are enough to provide function to emit optical
signals of the output light or the received light in the
predetermined direction.
[0084] In FIG. 2C, collimate lens 7 or converging lens 7' is
provided at single mode fiber 3. In this case, like the above
description, an output lens 4 is enough to emit optical signals in
the predetermined direction, and a light-receiving lens 6 is enough
to converge optical signals. It should be noted that if leading
edge portions of the fibers 3, 3' are processed into conical shaped
lens, spherical shaped lens or cylindrical shaped lens which is a
combination of the conical shaped lens and the spherical shaped
lens instead of the above-described collimate lens 7 or the
converging lens 7', the leading edge portion each exercises
function of lens.
[0085] Next, structures of an output lens and a light-receiving
lens used in the present invention are explained with reference to
FIG. 3 and FIG. 4. As shown in FIG. 3, this lens is of spherical
lens 30, and composed of an upper portion 31 that refracts lights
made incident from upper side with respect to the drawing toward
inside, and a lower portion that outputs lights in the
predetermined direction. This lower portion is composed of
tetrahedron 32 and underside 33, having function for changing
output direction light. Flat surface of the tetrahedron has
function by which light from the inside is refracted in the
constant direction.
[0086] A lens mechanism is shown that controls output light or
received light into the predetermined direction, where a lens to be
a movable body is rotatably engaged with stator 36 composed of
piezoelectric element and accommodated in substrate 35. The lens is
pressurized to a stator 36 by a pressure plate 34 from above and
accommodated in control means. In this case, the substrate 35,
stator 36, and pressure plate 34 constitute actuator, thus
constituting ultrasonic motor as the actuator. It should be noted
that actuator for controlling lens is not restricted to ultrasonic
motor, but also, for instance, electromagnetic actuator composed of
coil and iron core is appropriate. Spherical surface of the lens
comes into contact with the stator 36, whereby the lens is rotated
in the directions of X, Y, and Z of the drawing according to
rotation of the stator about the Z-axis, thus it is possible to
change direction of output light or incident direction of
light.
[0087] Next, operation of the above-described spherical lens is
explained using FIG. 4. FIG. 4 shows the output lens 4 at upper
side in the drawing, and the light-receiving lens 6 at lower side
in the drawing. Optical signal made incident upon the lens 4 from
optical fiber 3 of upper side is transferred in the direction of
arrow. The output lens 4 collimates light made incident thereupon
from optical fiber 3, before outputting light in the predetermined
direction. The actuator to be control means rotates the lens 4
about, for instance, Z-axis and X-axis to output light in the
direction of lens that receives the light. Meanwhile, the
light-receiving lens 6 is controlled by the actuator in such a way
as to converge received optical signals in the direction of the
optical -fiber 3'.
[0088] In addition, as system for changing output direction or
incident direction of light, following system may be applied.
[0089] As shown in FIG. 11A and FIG. 11B, output direction of light
may be changed in such a way as to move the lens in x-direction and
y-direction that are right angles to optical axis. The optical
signal made incident upon lens 104 from optical fiber 103 is
transferred in the direction of arrow by moving lens 104 only by
movement amount of x, y. Lens 104' is moved only by movement amount
of x', y' to a position where the light input to the lens 104' is
converged to fiber 103'.
[0090] For instance, piezoelectric actuators 106, 107 are connected
to the lens 104 in two directions thereof and also connected to the
lens 104' in two directions thereof respectively, thus controlling
positions of the lenses 104, 104' in such a way as to control the
piezoelectric actuators 106, 107 independently.
[0091] In addition, as shown in FIG. 12A and FIG. 12B, it is
possible to provide the lens 104 and the lens 104' capable of
operating only in the direction of x, and the lens 105 and the lens
105' capable of operating only in the direction of y separately. In
this case, movement of actuators 106 and 107 is unaffected
mutually, whereby it is possible to secure large operation
displacement, resulting in simple control.
[0092] The explanation has been made by using piezoelectric
actuator as an example. However, it is also appropriate to use
electromagnetic type actuator and configurations thereof are not
restricted. In addition, shape of lens is not restricted, however,
as indicated in description below, lenses differ in characteristics
obtained according to type of the lens, whereby lens is selected
depending on a target switch or performance of an actuator used
therein.
[0093] When spherical lens is used, since spherical lens has a
small curvature, large (angular) change of optical axis is obtained
with respect to small movement of the lens, however, if lengthening
movement of light, the lens loses function as collimator.
Conversely, when convex lens is used, large (angular) change of
optical axis is difficult to be obtained, however, even if
lengthening movement of light, the lens is capable of maintaining
function as collimator. Further, in the case of non-spherical lens,
it possible to obtain long movement of light while maintaining
function as collimator. Furthermore, in the case of SELFOC lens,
this makes it possible to obtain relatively long movement of light
with function as collimator maintained, and large (angular) change
of optical axis with respect to relatively small movement of the
lens can be obtained.
[0094] Although detailed explanation with respect to actuator will
be omitted, generally, actuator is means for controlling each
optical signal (A1(i, j)) of a plurality of optical signals output
from the above described output lens so that light-receiving lens
can receive the light at the predetermined position (A2(k, l)).
Actuators are of, for instance, piezoelectric actuator or
ultrasonic motor to operate the output lens and the light-receiving
lens by the predetermined method so that light of arbitrary output
lens can reach light-receiving lens specified arbitrarily.
Accordingly, transfers of optical signals can be performed
arbitrarily between arbitrary output lens and light-receiving lens,
thus, optical spatial switch can be realized.
[0095] FIG. 5 shows another embodiment of the present invention. In
FIG. 5, an example of two light reflecting mirrors is shown,
however, even if one light reflecting mirror is used, optical
spatial switch can be realized. In this example, optical fiber
array 10 of output side and optical fiber array 20 of
light-receiving side are disposed spatially; in which optical
signal output from the array of the output side is reflected by
specific mirror 51 of the first reflecting mirror array 50,
subsequently, the reflected optical signal is reflected by mirror
51' of the second reflecting mirror array to reach the second
optical fiber array 50' of the light-receiving side.
[0096] Structure of optical fiber of the output side and the light
receiving side is the same as that described above. Respective
reflecting mirror arrays are two-dimensionally disposed on surfaces
of substrates 52 and 52', although there is accompanied by no
restriction, it is favorable that two-dimensional disposition
thereof and two-dimensional disposition of the output array and the
light receiving array become similar figure with each other.
Respective mirrors are capable of varying in their respective
angles by using actuator. Ultrasonic motor described-above is
capable of being utilized preferably as an actuator.
[0097] FIG. 6A to FIG. 6D show mechanisms for changing angles of
the reflecting mirrors. A mechanism shown in FIG. 6A includes slant
rotating base plate 62 that rotates on substrate 60 and slant
mirror 61 fixed on the slant rotating base plate 62. As shown in
FIG. 6A, the substrate 60 rotates about X-axis, and the slant
rotating base plate 62 rotates about Z-axis, thus it is possible to
face the mirror toward arbitrary direction.
[0098] A mechanism shown in FIG. 6B includes two substrates 63 and
64 which rotate independently one relative to the other on fixed
substrate 60 and a mirror fixed on the substrate 63, thus it is
possible to face the mirror toward arbitrary direction due to
rotations of the substrates 63 and 64.
[0099] A mechanism shown in FIG. 6C includes rotating base plate 66
engaged with frame body 65 with the rotating base plate 66 rotated
freely about X-axis of the frame body 65, rotating base plate 67
engaged with the rotating base plate 66 with the rotating base
plate 67 rotated freely about Y-axis of the frame body 65, and
mirror 61 fixed on the rotating base plate 67, thus it is possible
to face the mirror toward arbitrary direction due to operation of
the members.
[0100] A mechanism shown in FIG. 6D comprises substrate 60 that is
piezoelectric transducer and so forth capable of exciting
oscillation wave of, for example, surface wave and so forth in two
directions of X-axis direction and Y-axis direction, spherical body
68 that rotates about the X-axis and the Y-axis, and mirror 61
fixed on the spherical body 68, where the spherical body 68 to be a
movable body rotates within frame body (not illustrated).
Consequently, the mirror 61 is capable of being faced toward
arbitrary direction.
[0101] Although detailed explanation with respect to rotation of
the rotating base plate and the spherical body will be omitted,
generally, the above described rotating base plate and spherical
body rotate while being controlled by powerful small sized motor,
such as, ultrasonic motor and so forth, where direction of mirror
is controlled accurately to exercise function of optical spatial
switch between the first optical fiber array and the second optical
fiber array.
[0102] In FIG. 6, mirror is changed in its direction by using
general 2-axis rotating system, however, in FIG. 7, another new
means for changing direction of mirror is explained. FIG. 7A shows
spherical reflecting mirror provided with smooth reflecting surface
71 formed in such a way as to cut a part of spherical glass 70. And
then, the spherical glass 70 to be movable body rotates, for
example, after undergoing friction drive by oscillation of stator
36 driven by piezoelectric element, to face the reflecting surface
71 toward predetermined direction. Consequently, as shown in the
drawing, light directed to the reflecting surface is reflected
toward the predetermined direction in accordance with rotation of
the spherical glass.
[0103] FIG. 7B shows spherical reflecting mirror provided with
smooth reflecting surface 71 and smooth reflecting surface 72
formed parallel to the reflecting surface 71. Optical signal for
controlling is made incident upon this reflecting surface 72 before
the reflected light is received by light-receiving sensor, such as,
for instance, CCD to measure position of the reflected light, thus,
it is possible to measure angle and direction of the spherical
reflecting mirror. In this way, angle and direction of the
spherical reflecting mirror are measured and of necessary, angle
and direction of the reflecting mirror are adjusted by the stator
36, whereby incident light can be made incident upon the second
optical fiber array located at the predetermined position.
[0104] FIG. 13A and FIG. 13B show an example in which mirror is
operated by electromagnetic force. Mirror drive portion 110 is
constituted integrally with mirror 110A, and hinge portions 110B,
110C, 110D, and 110E. Magnetic material films (111A, 111B, 111C,
and 111D) such as permalloy and so forth are joined at four places
on one surface of the mirror drive portion 110. There are provided
yokes 112A, 112B, 112C, and 112D around of which coils 113A, 113B,
113C, and 113D are wound, with gap between the coils and the
magnetic material films. When-current quantity for the respective
coils is-controlled, attraction force between the respective yokes
and the magnetic material films is changed, thus, angle of the
mirror 110A is capable of being changed arbitrarily. It should be
noted that it is to provide the magnetic material film wholly at
the mirror drive portion 110. In addition, it is also possible to
form the magnetic material films are by method of vacuum
evaporation or sputtering or so forth.
[0105] It is possible to form a plurality of matrix shape magnetic
material films in the whole mirror drive portion by one time
processing using photolithography technique and so forth.
Specifically, this becomes possible due to formation of the
magnetic material films by removing diagonal line portions of FIG.
14 using etching method.
[0106] FIG. 8 shows still another embodiment of the present
invention.
[0107] In the above description, the example in which rotation of
the output lens and the light-receiving lens is controlled is
shown. The present example shows that, as shown in FIG. 9,
direction of collimator 83 itself formed in such a way as to
integrate lens 81 with fiber 82 is intended to be controlled
directly.
[0108] In FIG. 8A, when substrate 84 with opening portion 84a is
moved in two axes directions of X and Y, leading edge (collimator
83) of fiber 82, being in the opening portion 84a, and one point
thereof being supported by supporting portion 85, moves in two axes
directions of X and Y.
[0109] In FIG. 8B, there are provided two substrates 85 and 86 with
opening portions, 85a and 86a, if the substrates A and B are moved
individually in two axes directions of X and Y, leading edge
(collimator 83) of fiber 82 operates in two axes directions of X
and Y.
[0110] The substrates 84, 85, and 86 are operates by, for example,
linear type ultrasonic motor. Oscillating body having piezoelectric
element (not shown) is made to come into contact with the
substrates 84, 85, and 86 directly with the oscillating body
pressurized on the substrates 84, 85, and 86, whereby linear type
ultrasonic motor with the substrates 84, 85 and 86 as movable
bodies is constituted.
[0111] In addition, it is possible to drive the substrates 84, 85,
and 86 by electromagnetic type actuator such as voice coil type
actuator and so forth.
[0112] FIG. 15 shows an example in which electromagnetic type
actuator is used. One point of fiber 82 provided with collimator 83
at its leading edge is supported by supporting point 124A of
supporting member 124. In addition, magnetic member 120 such as
permalloy and so forth is provided at periphery portion of the
collimator 83. Yokes 121A, 121B, 121C and 121D around of which
coils 122A, 122B, 122C and 122D are wound are provided around the
magnetic member 120. When current flows in coils 122A, 122B, 122C,
and 122D, yoke 121A, 121B, 121C, or 121D and magnetic pipe 120 form
magnetic path respectively, and line of magnetic force generated
from one end N-pole of yoke 121A, 121B, 121C, or 121D is passed
through the magnetic pipe 120, thus the magnetic pipe 120 is
attracted toward yoke side. When varying current flowing through
each coil 122A, 122B, 122C or 122D, attraction force of each coil
122A, 122B, 122C, or 122D to the magnetic member 120 with the
collimator 83 provided varies. Through being subjected to
attraction force of each stator-yoke 121A, 121B, 121C, or 121D it
is possible to vary angle of collimator 83 arbitrarily.
[0113] The number of coils and yokes are selected arbitrarily. In
addition, when there is provided magnet instead of the magnetic
member 120, large displacement can be obtained with small
current.
[0114] Still another embodiment of the present invention is
described below. In this embodiment, a plurality of output lenses
of the first optical fiber array and a plurality of light-receiving
lenses of the second optical fiber array are arranged in
two-dimensional matrix of integer number I.times.integer number J.
It is possible to select the numbers for I and J from, for example,
4 to 256, further up to around 400 at the maximum. It should be
noted that the whole number of mirrors of optical fiber array can
be selected from the numbers up to 400 at the maximum, however, in
order to cope with the case that a part thereof is broken down, and
so forth, it is possible to select a configuration in which one
unit block is provided with the number of mirrors of (4 to
8).times.(4 to 8). When a part of the mirrors is broken down, rapid
repair becomes possible in such a way as to exchange mirror in
every one block.
[0115] According to still another embodiment, it may be preferable
that a plurality of output lenses of the first optical fiber array
are arranged in two-dimensional matrix of "integer number
I.times.integer number J", and light-receiving lenses of the second
optical fiber are arranged in two-dimensional matrix of "integer
number P.times.integer number Q", where relationship of respective
dispositions satisfies "I.times.J.ltoreq.P.times.Q". Therefore,
optical fiber array of light-receiving side is provided with extra
light-receiving lenses, thereby enabling connection to a new
path.
[0116] Further, according to another embodiment, as already
described above, it is possible that the leading edge portion of
the optical fiber, which is connected to the first optical fiber
array, and the second optical fiber array, is a spherical lens
integrated with the optical fiber.
[0117] According to still another embodiment, it is possible that
the leading edge portions of the first optical fiber array and the
second optical fiber array are of multi-mode fibers that are
connected to single-mode fibers. This is because the multi-mode
fibers function as collimators or light-receiving lenses, whereby
conventional collimate lenses or light-receiving lenses become
unnecessary.
[0118] As described-above, in the present invention, piezoelectric
actuators are capable of being utilized as the above described
actuators. Piezoelectric actuator has high response whereby high
speed switching operation becomes possible. In particular,
ultrasonic motor is of small size and high torque, and can hold
movable body without power consumption, whereby the ultrasonic
motor may preferably be used as actuators in that miniaturization
of optical fiber array and decrease of dissipation power can be
realized.
[0119] Further, in the present invention, electromagnetic actuators
composed of coils and cores are also capable of being utilized as
the above-described actuators.
[0120] As described-above, the optical spatial switch of the
present invention is a small sized optical spatial switch provided
with large capacity capable of transferring spatially a plurality
of optical signals of inlet side toward arbitrary optical fibers of
light receiving side, as the conventional mechanical telephone
switching unit.
[0121] In the case where Internet communication is performed, or
image containing large communication quantity is communicated,
optical spatial switch capable of exchanging a lot of
communications has very high utility value in the industry and very
high availableness in the industry.
* * * * *